Imbalance Research Articles

Medical record prompts improve the frequency and documentation of dizziness and driving conversations in the ENT balance clinic.

Driving capacity is affected by vestibular disorders and the medications used to treat them. Driving is not considered during medical consultations, with 92 per cent of patients attending a centre for dizziness not discussing it with the doctor. To investigate if medical record prompts facilitate dizziness and driving conversations in ENT balance clinics. A questionnaire was designed to reflect the current standards of practice and advice given regarding driving and dizziness during balance clinic consultations. Medical record prompts facilitated the improved frequency and recording of shared decision-making conversations about driving and dizziness in 98 per cent of consultations. This study highlights the benefits of medical record prompts for documented and accurate shared decision-making conversations surrounding dizziness, vertigo, vestibular conditions and driving. This potentially improves safety for all road users, and protects the patient and clinician in the event of road traffic accidents and medico-legal investigations.

The ocrelizumab wearing-off phenomenon is associated with reduced immunomodulatory response and increased neuroaxonal damage in multiple sclerosis.

The wearing-off phenomenon is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with ocrelizumab. We aim to evaluate the presence and severity of wearing-off to ocrelizumab in relation to demographic and MS clinical variables, immune profiling, and a marker of neuroaxonal damage (plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfl)). This cross-sectional study included MS patients treated with ocrelizumab from at least 1year. Wearing-off questionnaire and blood samples were collected between 21 and 23weeks after the previous ocrelizumab infusion. Lymphocyte subpopulations were evaluated on peripheral blood using flow cytometry. PNfl was evaluated using fully automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. We included 106 people with MS (age 49.5 ± 11.6years; females 42.3%; wearing-off 57.6%). On regression models, wearing-off was associated with higher pNfl, CD8, CD3, and CD3CD27 lymphocytes. Most frequent wearing-off symptoms were cognitive, sensory, and balance problems; wearing-off started < 1week (9.4%), 1-4weeks (10.7%) or > 4weeks (10.7%) before infusion; 44.8% of the complaints were moderate to severe. Severity of wearing-off was associated with higher pNfl and CD8 lymphocytes. Wearing-off is common in people with MS treated with ocrelizumab, and is associated with reduced immunomodulation (higher T lymphocytes) and increased neuroaxonal damage, suggesting reduced treatment response.

Management of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common episodic vestibular disorder, although it is often quiescent by the time patients visit a specialist clinic, making the diagnosis difficult to confirm. Patients fear the consequences of a relapse and it is not clear what follow up should be provided. This evaluation reviewed the results of an open access pathway that offered priority appointments to patients with a history of positional vertigo. In total, 664 patients were included in the analysis, 52 per cent of whom had unconfirmed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Open follow up improved diagnostic rates by approximately 40 per cent. The rate of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo recurrence was 34 per cent in patients with follow up of at least one year, 41 per cent with follow up of one to two years, and 53 per cent with follow up of two years or more. One in five recurrences occurred in a different semi-circular canal. These results suggest that specialist follow up is required for management of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

A Review of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Its Implications for Vestibular Disorders

A Review of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Its Implications for Vestibular Disorders

#2477 Longitudinal serum bicarbonate and mortality risk in older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: analyses from the EQUAL cohort

Abstract Background and Aims Serum bicarbonate (SBC) disorders have been consistently linked to mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Low SBC levels have been extensively associated with increased mortality in CKD patients, possibly due to the detrimental effects of acidosis on various organs and systems. Likewise, several studies have identified high levels of SBC as a risk factor for mortality in the CKD population. To date, most studies have focused on the association between SBC levels and patient survival during the pre-kidney replacement therapy (KRT) period or the period after KRT initiation, considered separately. None have explored this association across the continuum of CKD (e.g., from pre-KRT to post-KRT start), which is relevant since metabolic acidosis is expected to be managed through dialysis in the KRT population, and thus its clinical outcomes might change after KRT initiation. To provide new insights on this topic, we aimed to explore the relationship between SBC and mortality in advanced CKD during three distinct treatment periods: during the pre-KRT period, during the transition phase surrounding the start of KRT (transition-CKD), and during KRT. Method Using the European QUALity Study on treatment in advanced CKD (EQUAL) cohort, which includes patients aged ≥65 years and eGFR ≤20 ml/min per 1.73 m2 from six European countries, we explored the association between longitudinal SBC and all-cause mortality in three separate CKD populations: pre-KRT, transition-CKD and in the KRT populations, using multivariable time-dependent Cox regression models. The cumulative time-averaged, the cumulative exposure of SBC, and the slope of the SBC trajectory during the pre-KRT phase were calculated and evaluated for association with all-cause mortality in the transition-CKD population. Subgroup analysis were used to evaluate the effect modification by pre-specified variables on the relationship between SBC and mortality. Results We included 1485 patients with a median follow-up of 2.9 (IQR 2.7) years, during which 529 (35.6%) patients died. A U-shaped relationship between SBC levels and all-cause mortality was observed in the pre-KRT population (p = 0.03; Fig.). Low cumulative exposure, defined as the area under the SBC trajectory before KRT initiation, was associated with increased mortality risk after transitioning to KRT (p = 0.01). Similarly, in the KRT population, low SBC levels showed a trend towards increased mortality risk (p = 0.13). We observed effect modification on the relationship between SBC and mortality by subjective global assessment category (p-value for interaction = 0.02) and KRT initiation (p-value for interaction = 0.02). Conclusion Our study has provided important insights into the relationship between SBC and mortality in advanced CKD patients. A U-shaped relationship describes the association between SBC and mortality in the advanced CKD pre-KRT population, whereas in patients that initiate KRT only low SBC levels are associated with an increased mortality risk. Our findings suggest that the relationship between SBC and mortality varies across different stages of CKD and that this relationship is modified by KRT initiation. From this point of view, it would be appropriate to consider a personalized management of acid-base balance disorders based on a comprehensive evaluation of the clinical status of the patient.

Exploring the link between sacral neuromodulation and body balance mechanism

As the therapeutic mechanisms of Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) continue to be investigated, recent long-term outcome study has revealed a intrigue association between SNM therapy and reported falls in patients. This observation has led to the formulation of a hypothesis suggesting that SNM may influence balance control during locomotion by altering sciatic nerve transmission, potentially contributing to an increased risk of falls. This concise article explores the hypothesis, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the potential connection between SNM and balance disorders. Understanding this link holds implications for patient safety and may further improve the optimization of SNM therapy.

Amelioration of gait and balance disorders by rosuvastatin is associated with changes in cerebrovascular reactivity in older patients with hypertensive treatment.

To investigate the effect of rosuvastatin on gait and balance disorder progression and elucidate the role of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) on this effect. From April 2008 to November 2010, 943 hypertensive patients aged ≥60 years were enrolled from the Shandong area of China. Patients were randomized into rosuvastatin and placebo groups. Gait, balance, CVR, fall and stroke were assessed. During an average 72 months of follow-up, the decreasing trends for step length, step speed, and Berg balance scale scores and the increasing trends for step width and chair rising test were slower in the rosuvastatin group when compared to the placebo group. The hazard ratio of incident balance impairment and falls was 0.542 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.442-0.663] and 0.532 (95% CI 0.408-0.694), respectively, in the rosuvastatin group compared with placebo group. For CVR progression, the cerebrovascular reserve capacity and breath-holding index were increased and the pulsatility index decreased in the rosuvastatin group, while the cerebrovascular reserve capacity and breath-holding index were decreased, and pulsatility index increased in the placebo group. The changes in gait stability and balance function were independently associated with the changes in the CVR. The odds risks of balance impairment and falls were 2.178 (95% CI: 1.491-3.181) and 3.227 (95% CI: 1.634-6.373), respectively, in the patients with CVR impairment and patients without CVR impairment. Rosuvastatin ameliorated gait and balance disorder progression in older patients with hypertension. This effect might result from the improvement in the CVR. This double-blind clinical trial recruited 943 hypertensive patients aged ≥60 years who were randomly administered rosuvastatin and placebo interventions. The data indicates that rosuvastatin significantly ameliorated the progressions of gait and balance disorders in older hypertensive patients. The cerebrovascular reactivity might play an important mediating role in this amelioration.

Association between gait speed and balance disorders in older adults from 12 high Andean Peruvian communities, 2013-2019.

Gait speed is associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders in older adults residing at high altitudes. This study investigated this association in older adults from 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities. We performed a secondary data analysis from an analytical cross-sectional study of adults >60 years of age, residing in 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities, enrolled between 2013 and 2019. The exposure and outcome variables were gait speed (categorized in tertiles), and balance disorders (defined as a functional reach value of ≤20.32 cm), respectively. We built generalized linear models of the Poisson family with a logarithmic link function and robust variances, and estimated crude prevalence ratios (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We analyzed 418 older adults; 38.8% (n=162) were male, and the mean age was 73.2 ± 6.9 years. The mean gait speed and functional reach were 0.66 ± 0.24 m/s and 19.9 ± 6.48 cm, respectively. In the adjusted regression model, the intermediate (aPR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.39-2.55; p<0.001) and low (aPR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.51-2.76; p<0.001) tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders. The intermediate and low tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders among older adult residents of 12 high-altitude Andean communities. We recommend further research on the behavior of this association to propose interventions for these vulnerable groups and reduce the impact of geriatric conditions.

Mental Health Education and Utilization Among Patients with Vestibular Disorders.

To explore the receipt of mental health education, assessment, and referrals, and mental health service use among individuals with vestibular disorders. Patients with vestibular disorders living in the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK were surveyed through social media forums. Questionnaires assessed demographics, anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-10), dizziness (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), and type of professional providing mental health education, assessment, referral, and treatment. The 226 participants were largely White (90%), educated (67% holding an associate's degree or higher) women (88%) with an average age of 45 who self-identified as having chronic vestibular symptoms (78%), as opposed to episodic ones (22%). Fifty-two percent reported never receiving verbal education, written education (69%), mental health assessment (54%), or referral (72%). Participants were more likely to receive mental health treatment in the past if they had received verbal resources and/or referrals from clinicians. The majority of patients with vestibular disorders report that medical professionals have not provided education, mental health assessment, or a mental health referral.

Peculiarities of using modern fitness technologies with women in the second trimester during pregnancy

The article discusses the features of using modern fitness technologies with women during pregnancy in the second trimester. Materials and methods: total of 20 women of various ages (from 21 to 34 years old), who were at different stages of pregnancy, most of whom (70%) were in the second trimester of pregnancy, took part in the study. No medical contraindications were found in any of them. Results: according to the results of the questionnaire, it was established that most women, namely 80%, kept in shape through fitness. Also most women choose "calm" types of fitness: pilates (45%), yoga (30%) and "light" cardio (40%), and only 10% preferred strength training. Video recordings of the most popular curling fitness programs during pregnancy, particularly during the second trimester, were also analyzed. Conclusions: based on the results of the analysis, it was established that all four groups of fitness programs, including pilates, yoga, exercises in the water and stretching, can be effective for pregnant women in the second trimester, provided that the programs are designed taking into account the specifics of this period. In addition, given the variety of these programs, pregnant women can choose the one that best suits their needs and physical capabilities. Features of the use of equipment in fitness classes with pregnant women in comparison with women who are not pregnant are as follows: a) exercises are performed at a slower pace, without sudden movements and increased intensity; b) during exercises it is necessary to avoid positions that can lead to overstrain of the muscles of the abdomen and thighs, as well as to the danger of a fall (loss of balance) of a pregnant woman.

Evolution of Hyperventilation-Induced Nystagmus in Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy-Interpretative Model and Etiopathogenetic Hypotheses.

Hyperventilation induces metabolic changes that can elicit nystagmus (hyperventilation-induced nystagmus, HVIN) in various vestibular disorders, revealing vestibular imbalance and bringing out central or peripheral asymmetries. In acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUVP, namely vestibular neuritis), hyperventilation can induce different patterns of nystagmus (excitatory, inhibitory, or negative), disclosing or modifying existing static vestibular asymmetries through its ability to invalidate compensation or increase peripheral excitability. In this context, we followed the evolutionary stages of HVIN in AUVP across 35 consecutive patients, with the goal of assessing alterations in the oculomotor pattern caused by hyperventilation over time. In the acute phase, the incidence of the excitatory pattern (and the strongly excitatory one, consisting of a reversal nystagmus evoked by hyperventilation) was significantly higher compared to the inhibitory pattern; then, a progressive reduction in the incidence of the excitatory pattern and a concomitant gradual increase in the incidence of the inhibitory one were observed in the follow-up period. Assuming the role of the ephaptic effect and the transient loss of vestibular compensation as opposing mechanisms, i.e., excitatory and inhibitory, respectively, the oculomotor pattern evoked by hyperventilation is the result of the interaction of these two factors. The data obtained allowed us to hypothesize an interpretative model regarding the pathogenetic aspects of responses evoked by hyperventilation and the etiologies of the disease: according to our hypotheses, the excitatory pattern implies a neuritic (viral) form of AUVP; instead, the inhibitory (and negative) one can be an expression of both the neuritic (viral) and vascular forms of the disease.

Relationship between sensation and balance and gait in multiple sclerosis patients with mild disability

BackgroundPatients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) often experience sensory, balance, and gait problems. Impairment in any sensation may increase imbalance and gait disorder in PwMS. This study aimed to (1) compare foot plantar sensations, knee position sense, balance, and gait in PwMS compared to Healthy Individuals (HI) and (2) examine the relationship between plantar sensations, knee position sense, balance, and gait in PwMS. MethodsThirty PwMS with mild disability and 10 HI participated in this study. Light touch threshold, two-point discrimination, vibration duration, and knee position sense were examined on the Dominant Side (DS) and Non-Dominant Side (NDS). Balance and spatio-temporal gait analysis were evaluated in all participants. ResultsPwMS had higher postural sway with eyes closed on the foam surface, longer swing phase of DS, longer single support phase of NDS, and shorter double support phase of DS compared to HI (p < 0.05). The results of regression analysis showed that the light touch thresholds of the 1st and 5th toes of the DS were associated with postural sway in different sensory conditions (p < 0.05). In contrast, the light touch thresholds of the 1st and 5th toes, two-point discrimination of the heel, vibration duration of the 1st metatarsal head and knee position sense of the NDS, and light touch threshold in the medial arch of both sides were associated with the gait parameters (p < 0.05). ConclusionPwMS, even with mild disabilities needs neurorehabilitation to improve plantar sensation and knee position sense.

Exploring Neuroprotective Botanical Remedies in Neurodegenerative Conditions: A Review

Neuroprotection refers to the mechanisms and strategies used to protect the Central Nervous System (CNS) from neuronal injuries caused by neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders are a type of chronic condition in which parts of the nervous system deteriorate over time, most notably the brain. These disorders have a slow and gradual effect on an individual. Neurodegeneration is a neuropathological condition and brain aging process. The brain pathology of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with a death rate of approximately 8% and an incidence rate of approximately 2/1000. It is a major health issue in the twenty-first century. According to researchers, this disease affects over 50 million people worldwide. These disorders primarily affect people over the age of 65, and the World Health Organization predicts that this number will more than double in the next 30 years. Confusion, difficulty thinking, pain, muscle spasms, behavioral changes, paralysis, tremors, balance problems, coordination issues, hunched posture, and fatigue are symptoms of these disorders. These disorders are caused by age, genetics, medical history, habits, routine, and environment. This review article is focused on herbs such as Crocus sativus and Curcuma longa which are very helpful in Neurodegenerative diseases and serve as a resource for future research. Keywords: Neurodegeneration, Medicinal Herbs, Neuroprotection, Neuroprotective plants, Parkinson, Alzheimer.

Utilization of Face-to-Face Vestibular Support Groups: A Comparison to Online Group Participation.

This study compared the utilization and outcomes of face-to-face (F2F) vestibular support groups and online support communities (OSC) for individuals with vestibular disorders. We distributed a 31-question anonymous electronic survey through the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) to F2F participants, categorizing user involvement in F2F, OSCs, or both and assessed impact on medical decision-making, psychosocial benefits, and goals achieved. The F2F cohort consisted of 97 individuals comprising primarily of non-Hispanic White women (mean age = 57 years, SD ± 14 years) with diagnoses including persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (19%), Meniere's disease (15%), and vestibular neuritis (13%). Most participants were diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (65%) and attended F2F meetings monthly or less frequently (78%). The OSC group comprised of 551 individuals, primarily of non-Hispanic White women, but was younger in age (mean age = 50 years, SD ± 13 years). OSC participants notably engaged more, with 36% participating on a daily basis and 32% multiple times a week. F2F participants were older (mean age 57 years vs 50 years, P < .001) and more commonly referred by medical professionals (22% F2F vs 6% OSC, P < .001). Both groups had similar achieved goals, including hearing from others with the same diagnosis (84% vs 89%, P > .05) and similar impact on medical decision-making (75% vs 78%, P > .05). More F2F participants reported increased development of coping skills (79% F2F vs 69% OSC, P = .037). OSC participants typically found the group via an online search (75%), compared to 51% for F2F. OSC participants had higher daily engagement (36%) compared to F2F (1%). F2F users are older and more commonly referred by medical professionals. Despite less frequent engagement, F2F participants reported similar influences on achieved goals, medical decision-making, and impact on psychosocial benefits. These findings highlight the importance of both F2F and OSC support groups for individuals with vestibular disorders.

Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the Brief-BESTest in Stroke Patients.

Background: Balance disorders and postural control treatments play an important role in fall prevention. The Brief-BESTest is a short-scale employed to evaluate balance and fall risk in different populations. Balance assessment is a fundamental element in patients with Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation since postural alteration is one of the most frequent sequelae. The objective was to validate the Spanish version of the Brief-BESTest questionnaire in the stroke population. Methods: Subjects of both sexes aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of acute/chronic stroke were included. The BESTest, Mini-BESTest, Brief-BESTest, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed Up & Go Test were used to assess balance. The scales were implemented once. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency and confirmatory factorial analysis was employed to assess validity. Results: A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 65.35 years (SD = 10.665) participated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient showed a high internal consistency with a value of 0.839. In the criterion validity, there was a high positive correlation between the Brief-BESTest and BESTest (r = 0.879), Mini-BESTest (r = 0.808), and Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.711). Conclusion: The Spanish version of the Brief-BESTest scale is valid and reliable, showing adequate psychometric properties for balance assessment in patients with acute or chronic stroke.

Prevalence of vestibular disease in France: analysis of prescription data from a national health insurance database.

Vestibular problems are frequent reasons for primary care consultations. However, there is considerable uncertainty about the prevalence and cost of vestibular disorders. Despite ambiguous effectiveness data, the histamine analogue betahistine is widely and almost exclusively used for treatment of vertigo. Prescription of betahistine can, therefore, be used as a proxy estimate for prevalence. We used openly available claims data from the French health insurance data warehouse, defining annual prevalence of vestibular disease as the number of people who received at least one betahistine prescription that year. Dosage and pack size of each prescribed formulation were extracted to calculate the sum of betahistine in mg and the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) for age and sex strata and in total. To estimate the relative impact of one landmark trial, the BEMED study, we compared prescriptions from the years 2014/2015 to prescriptions in 2019/2022. A total of 735,121 (2014), 694,705 (2015), 614,431 (2019), and 562,476 (2022) persons filled in a prescription of betahistine. Patients were predominantly older and female. Average amount dispensed per year and per person increased from 4422.54mg during the pre-BEMED period to 4736.90mg during the post-BEMED period. DDD decreased from 130 Mio per year in 2014/2015 to 116 Mio per year in 2019/2022. Total costs for betahistine decreased by 42% from 21,615,037 Euro in 2014 to 12,894,249 Euro in 2022. Vestibular disease is frequent in France and has a relevant impact on population health. Despite conflicting clinical evidence, betahistine continues to be prescribed widely in medical practice.

Sense of direction in vestibular disorders.

Our sense of direction (SOD) ability relies on the sensory integration of both visual information and self-motion cues from the proprioceptive and vestibular systems. Here, we assess how dysfunction of the vestibular system impacts perceived SOD in varying vestibular disorders, and secondly, we explore the effects of dizziness, migraine and psychological symptoms on SOD ability in patient and control groups. 87 patients with vestibular disorder and 69 control subjects were assessed with validated symptom and SOD questionnaires (Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale and the Object Perspective test). While patients with vestibular disorders performed significantly worse than controls at the group level, only central and functional disorders (vestibular migraine and persistent postural perceptual dizziness), not peripheral disorders (benign-paroxysmal positional vertigo, bilateral vestibular failure and Meniere's disease) showed significant differences compared to controls on the level of individual vestibular groups. Additionally, orientational abilities associated strongly with spatial anxiety and showed clear separation from general dizziness and psychological factors in both patient and control groups. SOD appears to be less affected by peripheral vestibular dysfunction than by functional and/or central diagnoses, indicating that higher level disruptions to central vestibular processing networks may impact SOD more than reductions in sensory peripheral inputs. Additionally, spatial anxiety is highly associated with orientational abilities in both patients and control subjects.

Posterior Semicircular Canal Plugging Relieves Tumarkin's Crisis in Ménière's Disease Patients.

(1) Background: Patients affected by Ménière's disease can experience Tumarkin's syndrome, which is characterized by postural instability, gait abnormalities, and, occasionally, an abrupt loss of balance known as vestibular drop attack or Tumarkin's crisis. In this study, semicircular canal plugging is proposed as the definitive treatment for this condition. The outcomes of this type of surgery are discussed. (2) Methods: A total of 9 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Ménière disease suffering from Tumarkin crisis underwent posterior semicircular canal plugging. These patients were assessed with Video Head Impulse Tests, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and Pure Tone Audiometry preoperatively and postoperatively. (3) Results: VHIT showed a postoperative decrease in PSC gain median (Preop. 0.86 and postop. 0.52; p < 0.009). No statistically significant differences were described for the anterior semicircular canal and the lateral semicircular canal. No patient experienced new Tumarkin crisis after the surgical treatment. (4) Conclusions: Our ten years of experience with posterior semicircular canal plugging in Ménière disease patients with Tumarkin's syndrome has shown that this type of surgical procedure is successful in controlling Tumarkin's crisis, with high patient satisfaction and little worsening in hearing level.

Seasonal variation in peripheral vestibular disorders based on Korean population data.

Comprehensive studies in which the seasonal variation in peripheral vestibular disorders was evaluated using data from an entire population are insufficient. The seasonal variation in peripheral vestibular disorders based on data from the entire Korean population was investigated in the present study. Retrospective data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea from 2008 to 2020 was analyzed. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis (VN), and Meniere's disease (MD) were defined based on diagnostic, treatment, or audiovestibular test codes. The seasonal incidence for each peripheral vestibular disorder was calculated among all study subjects. For the entire study cohort, the incidence of BPPV was significantly higher in spring (odds ratio [OR] = 1.031, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.026-1.037), autumn (OR = 1.024, 95% CI = 1.019-1.029), and winter (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 1.046-1.056) than in summer. The incidence of VN was significantly lower in winter (OR = 0.917, 95% CI = 0.907-0.927) than in summer. The incidence of MD was significantly higher in spring (OR = 1.027, 95% CI = 1.015-1.039) and autumn (OR = 1.029, 95% CI = 1.017-1.041) and significantly lower in winter (OR = 0.919, 95% CI = 0.908-0.931) than in summer. Differences were also observed in seasonal variation based on sex and age. Significant seasonal variation occurred in peripheral vestibular disorders including BPPV, VN, and MD based on the entire Korean population data. Furthermore, seasonal variation showed differences based on sex and age. 4.

The vestibular symptomatology of Machado-Joseph Disease.

Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease. In previous studies, we described significant bilateral horizontal Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) deficit within this population without any reference to the presence of vestibular symptomatology. To evaluate whether, beyond cerebellar ataxia complaints, MJD patients have typical vestibular symptomatology corresponding to the accepted diagnostic criteria of Bilateral Vestibulopathy (BVP) according to the definition of the International Barany Society of Neuro-Otology. Twenty-one MJD, 12 clinically stable chronic Unilateral Vestibulopathy (UVP), 15 clinically stable chronic BVP, and 22 healthy Controls underwent the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) evaluating VOR gain and filled out the following questionnaires related to vestibular symptomatology: The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), the Vertigo Visual Scale (VVS) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The MJD group demonstrated significant bilateral vestibular impairment with horizontal gain less than 0.6 in 71% of patients (0.54±0.17). Similar to UVP and BVP, MJD patients reported a significantly higher level of symptoms than Controls in the DHI, ABC, VVS, and BAI questionnaires. MJD demonstrated significant VOR impairment and clinical symptoms typical of BVP. We suggest that in a future version of the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders (ICVD), MJD should be categorized under a separate section of central vestibulopathy with the heading of bilateral vestibulopathy. The present findings are of importance regarding the clinical diagnosis process and possible treatment based on vestibular rehabilitation.